Graduate Program

School Psychology

Degree Name

Specialist in School Psychology

Semester of Degree Completion

2011

Thesis Director

Linda Leal

Thesis Committee Member

Assege HaileMariam

Thesis Committee Member

Cathy Schoonover

Abstract

Indirect aggression, a nonphysical form of aggression, has received increased attention in research because of the manipulative nature of the act. While it usually occurs during the preadolescent and adolescent years, research has started to examine its effects in young adult and adult populations. This study examined the link between indirect aggression and social anxiety and social avoidance in a sample of college students. Four distinct groups of aggressors were identified (perpetrator, victim, both, neither), with the majority of students indicating they have had no experience with indirect aggression. Results indicated that those who experienced indirect aggression in some form had higher levels of social anxiety and social avoidance than those who had little to no experience. There was also some evidence that those who identified themselves as victims of indirect aggression had the most social anxiety and avoidance. Very few students identified themselves as perpetrators of indirect aggression; and contrary to expectations, male students did not identify themselves more often than female students as perpetrators. More female than male students indicated they were victims of indirect aggression. Limitations and implications of the present study are discussed. Future research with more representative samples is needed in order to further understand the relationship between anxiety and indirect aggression in a young adult population.

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